Queenstown

Queenstown. Buckle up, then un-wine-d with a view. 
Queenstown doesn't ease you in. It hands you a bungy cord, points to a jet boat, and casually suggests you might like to throw yourself off something tall before lunch. This is the adventure capital for a reason, and whether you're skydiving, ziplining or luge-racing down from Skyline Queenstown, it knows how to keep your heart rate up. 

The views aren't bad either. Lake Wakatipu sparkles in the background, the Remarkables do exactly what their name promises, and somehow everything feels both wild and perfectly staged for your camera roll. In winter, it's all ski fields and après scenes. In summer, its trails, lake dips and a running tally of how many activities you can do in 48 hours. 

Then there's the unwind part. Swap the helmet for a wine glass and take a slow cruise through Gibbston Valley, where the pinot is as smooth as the pace. Add a long lunch, a vineyard sunset and maybe a sidestep to Arrowtown for gold-rush charm and boutique browsing. 

Things to do in Queenstown don't come in half measures. It's all action, all flavour and absolutely worth staying that extra night you didn't plan for.